New Delhi, July 2 -- TEHRAN - Iran is not waiting for the Doha talks to conclude before writing its control of the Strait of Hormuz into law. The parliament's National Security Commission approved the toll bill this spring. A full Majlis vote, a Guardian Council review, and a presidential signature remain. Iran has set mid-August as the target for formally beginning what it calls "service fee" assessments on transiting vessels. The Islamabad MoU expires on August 21.

The diplomatic and legislative tracks are converging at the same point on the calendar, and Iran is running both simultaneously.

The legislation that cleared the National Security Commission would require all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to pay fees denominated i...